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​​​THE CRISIS
​In the city of Grand Rapids, more than 25 percent of citizens live at or below the federal poverty level, which is $24,600 for a family of four.  Today in our community, one in four children is living in poverty.
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THE SOLUTION

Circles Grand Rapids is part of Circles USA, a high-impact strategy that engages the community in owning the solutions to poverty by: 
  • Empowering people in poverty with skills, knowledge, and support to achieve their goals to become self-sufficient 
  • Mobilizing volunteers, community leaders, and organizations 
  • Developing leadership 
  • Fostering community-level change by raising the community's poverty IQ
  • Addressing systemic barriers faced by families trying to move out of poverty


​THE DIFFERENCE

Circles works via healthy, long term relationships to assist families and individuals to lead themselves into permanent self-sufficiency.  No handouts are expected or given.  Rather, community volunteers help under-resourced participants find better ways to budget, resolve conflict, create networks, and gain the skills needed for successful employment and advancement.  People are supporting one another through friendship and fellowship to make life better for our whole community.
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​​​BE PART OF THE SOLUTION:  VOLUNTEER

  • ​​Become a Circle Ally, befriending and walking beside a Circle Leader (participant) who is working to achieve self-defined stability goals
  • Provide meals (free at every weekly meeting) and warm hospitality
  • Provide quality child care and programming (free at every meeting)
  • For more options, click on Volunteer or contact us at 616-719-4510 or jliske@circlesgr.org
​​LOVE TO COOK FOR A CROWD? ​​
Circles GR needs simple meals donated, prepared, and served to about 30 Circle Leaders and their children and Allies.  
​To learn more click here or contact Cathy at codom@circlesgr.org .  
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